Explore the spiritual essence and history of Basistha Temple, a calm refuge in Guwahati. Experience its natural beauty while finding tranquility away from the city.
Rituparna Borgohain
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Updated on :
Basistha Temple (Ashram) beautifully blends natural beauty and spiritual peace. Located in southern Guwahati, it offers a serene and divine atmosphere. The temple is associated with Sage Basistha’s legendary ashram from the Puranas.
You will find tranquility here, away from the city’s chaos and noise. Basistha Temple is not just a religious site but a peaceful retreat in nature. The temple represents a harmonious mix of history, religion, and scenic landscapes. Visiting Basistha Ashram ensures a calming and enriching journey for devotees and nature lovers.
Location
The Basistha Ashram is located in Beltola, Guwahati, in the Kamrup district of Assam. It sits on the serene Sandhyachal Hill, near the lush green Garbhanga Reserved Forest, offering visitors a tranquil and picturesque setting.
Significance of the Basistha temple
The religious significance of Basistha Temple is profound. This temple, associated with the hermitage of Sage Basistha, serves as a sacred space for peace and spiritual strength. Devotees believe that bathing in the holy waters of the Basistha River purifies the soul and brings blessings.
The serene and pure environment of the temple offers a sense of spiritual tranquility to all visitors. It is an ideal retreat for monks and seekers to meditate and gain spiritual energy. The temple’s sacredness and rich tradition make it a prominent destination for devotees worldwide.
The history of Basistha Temple is deeply connected to the Ahom reign. In 1686, Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha established the temple. You can still find inscriptions on the temple walls from that era. These inscriptions stand as strong historical evidence of the temple’s significance. The temple represents an important chapter in Hindu religion, culture, and history. It continues to be a symbol of faith and tradition for visitors like you.
Basistha Temple is a major destination for pilgrims. Devotees visit the temple to perform rituals, offer prayers, and meditate, seeking spiritual peace. Bathing at the Triveni Sangam and being present at Sage Basistha’s ashram provide a sacred experience for devotees. The temple also hosts grand celebrations during Shivratri, attracting numerous worshippers. A dharamshala near the temple premises offers accommodation for devotees, making it easier for them to stay and connect spiritually. The tranquil environment, combined with its rich heritage and facilities, ensures a fulfilling experience for every visitor.
Mythological Significance
The legend of Basistha Ashram, located near Guwahati on the Assam-Meghalaya border, is rich with mythological tales and folklore. According to local beliefs, Sage Basistha regained his physical form here after bathing and establishing his hermitage. Sage Basistha, a profound scholar known for his virtue and nobility, served as the royal priest of the Surya dynasty.
As per the Kalika Purana, King Nimi of the Surya dynasty intended to perform a thousand-year-long yajna (sacrifice) and requested Sage Vasistha to officiate. However, Basistha had already committed to a five-year yajna for Indra and asked Nimi to wait. Impatient, King Nimi invited Sage Gautama to commence the yajna. Upon completing Indra’s yajna, Basistha returned to find Nimi’s ceremony underway and, in anger, cursed the king to become bodiless. In retaliation, Nimi cursed Basistha similarly. Seeking redemption, Basistha approached Brahma, who advised him to meditate on Lord Vishnu in the secluded Sandhyachal hills of Kamarupa.
Facing a water scarcity in Sandhyachal, Basistha worshipped Lord Shiva, who pleased with his penance, commanded the Ganges in his matted hair to flow there. Basistha channeled the Ganges into three streams—Sandhya, Lalita, and Kanta, bringing sacred water to Sandhyachal. Bathing in this Triveni Sangam, Basistha regained his former body and established his ashram. On the opposite bank, in the dense forest, lies Arundhati Ashram, named after Basistha’s wife. Additionally, Basistha installed Tarapith for Goddess Tara and, through his penance, established Gulakeshwar and Mangaleshwar Shiva shrines nearby.
In 1686, during the Ahom reign in Assam, Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha visited Basistha Ashram and constructed a temple there. This temple, bearing inscriptions from his era, still stands today as a symbol of the Ashram’s enduring legacy.
Architecture of the Temple
The architecture of Basistha Temple will captivate you. It blends traditional Assamese and ancient Hindu styles beautifully. When you visit, you’ll see how its unique structure reflects the history and culture of its time. The intricate carvings and local craftsmanship will amaze you. As you explore, you’ll notice inscriptions and carvings on the walls, showcasing deep religious and cultural significance. The serene surroundings and artistic beauty create an unforgettable experience. Basistha Temple is indeed one of the most famous temples in Guwahati.
Years ago, a stone hill collapsed here, revealing four Ganesh idols and a Durga idol carved into a giant rock. You’ll also find a Ganesh Mandir on the temple premises. In the courtyard, you’ll see an imaginary statue of Sage Basistha and a large sculpture of Ganesh’s mouse. You can even spot remains of idols of Ganesh, Saraswati, Lakshmi, Vishnu, and Brahma as you walk around.
The Beauty of the Ashram
The beauty of Basistha Temple is vast. This ashram is surrounded by nature’s beauty. It is located in a dense forest, providing a cool and peaceful atmosphere. The Basistha River nearby adds to the ashram’s charm.
In spring, the flowers and green trees create a lovely view. The old stone sculptures show the area’s historical and religious importance. Meditating and practicing here gives seekers and devotees a wonderful experience.
The calm environment of Basistha Ashram refreshes your mind and soul. It is a perfect place to find spiritual peace and enjoy nature’s beauty.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit Basistha Temple at any time. Generally, the best time is in spring, especially from February to April, when flowers bloom and greenery surrounds the ashram, bringing joy to visitors.
Similarly, during Shivratri, many devotees gather at Basistha Temple. Visiting during this time allows you to participate in religious celebrations.
How to Reach
Basistha Temple is located about 10 km from Guwahati City. You can reach the ashram from Guwahati by car or taxi. You can also easily go by city bus.
It is about 12 km from Guwahati Railway Station and 32 km from Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
Nearby Attractions
Assam State Zoo (9 km): Explore Assam’s largest zoo, home to diverse wildlife and lush greenery.
Dighalipukhuri Park (14 km): Relax by the serene pond, enjoy boat rides, or unwind amidst the lush surroundings of this urban park.
Balaji Temple (9 km): Admire the modern architectural beauty and experience spiritual peace at this popular temple.
Science Museum (6 km): Discover interactive exhibits and learn about science and technology in a fun, engaging way.
Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra (8 km): Immerse yourself in Assam’s cultural heritage through vibrant art, exhibits, and live performances.
Conclusion
The Basistha Temple and the Ashram is more than a religious site; it is a sanctuary of peace, spirituality, and natural beauty. The serene surroundings, historical significance, and vibrant mythology make it a must-visit destination for travelers and devotees alike. Whether you seek spiritual solace, wish to explore Assam’s cultural heritage, or simply enjoy nature’s charm, Basistha Ashram offers a fulfilling experience for everyone. Plan your visit to this tranquil retreat and connect with the divine essence and natural beauty of Assam.
Rituparna Borgohain is a passionate explorer and writer. She is a history graduate from Sibsagar College with a keen interest in uncovering the social and cultural history of Assam. She loves exploring places and expressing the stories through her writing. Reach her at rituparna@diversityassam.com.
